Archive for the ‘Innovation’ Category

The wonders of the Internet and social media seem to have radically changed the nature of relationships. This is perhaps most apparent in personal relationships where email, texting, Facebook, Twitter, and other offerings provide constant updates on what a vast network of family and friends are doing and thinking at the moment. Many people spend […]

Many pundits argue that driverless cars will soon be here. You can argue with the timelines they articulate, but it is difficult to disagree with the distinct possibility of the technology eventually maturing and becoming an increasing portion of the vehicles on the road. This technology will be truly disruptive. There will be the benefits […]

Various pundits are projecting that by 2020 – just four years – the driving of cars and trucks will be completely automated. Vehicle services, whether for consumers or businesses, will be readily available for very reasonable prices. I will not need to own a personal vehicle and my business can dispense with its fleet of […]

Confidential sources have indicated that the NFL is considering some sweeping rule changes, all with a goal of increasing the entertainment value of the former sport. Unnamed executives indicated that, “Our goal is for fans to have fun, to go home with memories of exciting games when their team miraculously won despite the odds against […]

A recent issue of The Economist provided an in-depth review of how high technology financial startups are poaching high-margin financial services from large banks. The large banks are not standing still; they are often acquiring these startups once they prove viable. This may keep them in the game, but high margins are being substantially eroded […]

I am on the homestretch of being in New York City for three years, actually in the bleachers of Hoboken watching the game played by this remarkable city. For over 400 years, it has been an innovation ecosystem embracing change, creativity, and diversity. The only colony without a religious or political agenda, New York City […]

The airlines have long recognized the inherent liabilities of their frequent flyer programs. There is – or was – an enormous legacy of free flights waiting to be redeemed by frequent travelers who planned to take their families on vacations or use their nest egg of points for retirement travel. The airlines, however, are working […]

New York — In reaction to a flurry of consumer complaints about major airlines’ new “zero fare” model, one airline has unveiled a new marketing pitch, with the following tag line. “We don’t need you — take the bus!” Responding to pundits’ criticisms of this being ridiculously “over the top,” an airline spokesperson responded, “We […]

Over the past two years, I have become a frequent train traveler between New York and mostly Washington, but also Albany and Boston. The Acela is more expensive than flying but much more convenient and usually on time. The other Amtrak trains provide much poorer service. Delays are frequent; an hour or more is not […]

Various pundits in sundry domains attempt to predict what will happen. In domains such as climate change, urban systems, and national politics, which are laced with human and social phenomena, such predictions are folly. There are far too many possible ways in which individuals and social groups can behave in response to evolving events, whether […]

Stories of Change

My focus in this blog is fundamental change. In particular, I will write about fundamental change of complex organizational systems. The series of entries will report on a 20-year journey working globally with well over one hundred enterprises and several thousand executives and senior managers. I will also provide observations and comments on contemporary news and events.